BJ Penn: “I’m Trying To Find Myself A Little Bit”

When former UFC champion BJ Penn announced his retirement from MMA following a loss to Nick Diaz last year, many felt it was just a decision made by Penn in the heat of the moment. Several months later, however, “The Prodigy” remains away from the sport.

Penn, in a recent interview with ESPN.com, talked about where he feels he is at in his current situation, and why these past few months away from fighting have helped him grow as a person.

“I’m enjoying my time away from the sport. That’s where I am right now,” Penn said. “I’m living a regular life instead of living the roller coaster. I haven’t (lived a normal life) in 15 years. I’m trying to find myself a little bit – not as a fighter trying to come back to the sport, but just as a person.”

Penn added that he is in the gym just about daily, but he’s not going through drills or tiring himself with sparring sessions. For now, Penn seems content to remain just a normal person.

This year, Penn will turn 34 years of age, and said that if this is the end of the road as far as his MMA career goes, “That is something that either way, I’m going to have to accept. I’ve thought about it, but even if you are in your physical prime, there’s still no sense going back if your head isn’t there.”